The eighth annual Graduation Walk will expand its focus this year beyond high schoolers to middle school students with high rates of absenteeism or who are struggling academically. Volunteers for the Aug. 27 event will be paired with a Des Moines Public Schools staff member to visit the homes of students at risk of dropping out. The event is hosted by Des Moines Public Schools and United Way of Central Iowa and sponsored by Wells Fargo. Volunteers, who must attend a pre-event training session in August, may register here.